Lentil & Blistered Tomato Polenta

Some days you just crave savory, southern, comfort food. You know the kind we’re talking about? It just makes you feel like home and reminds you of childhood. At least for L. Now, we know polenta is an Italian dish; however, creamy polenta really reminds L of mashed potatoes. So, to her, that’s southern cooking.

If we’re being honest, L’s idea of southern cooking is probably a little skewed. I mean, born and raised Florida, we’re not the south; though we are one of the southernmost states. Little confusing, but whatever I get it. Florida has its areas where you’d think “Okay, yeah. I’m in the south.” But realistically, we’re a beach state…which we’re not complaining about.

So, L has been craving mashed potatoes for quite some time but wanted to put a spin on it–what’s new? Realizing she hadn’t eaten polenta in a while (or hardly ever, for that matter) she decided to satisfy her craving with that. Just creamy polenta alone isn’t nutritious, though. You gotta at least TRY to add some healthy things; and with healthy ingredients, comes color! Eat the rainbow, right? We don’t know about you, but we looove when our dishes incorporate a variety of colorful ingredients. Aesthetically pleasing, while scrumptiously pleasing. Eye Nomz, tummy Nomz.

This Belgian style amber ale is a perfect addition to our meal. Taste toasted malts, sweet caramel, & subtle earthy hops on the palette. It creates a divine balance with the polenta, lentils, & veggies. New Belgium is one of our favorite breweries. If you ever find yourself in Fort Collins, CO or Asheville, NC, definitely do yourself a favor and tour the brewery. Taste delicious beers (possibly even an unreleased selection!), learn about their history & mission, and end the tour with a spiral slide! Each veteran employee has their own New Belgium bike to ride to work to help cut car emissions. They also partnered up with Colorado State University to create a Fermentation Science and Technology (aka beer scientology) major. How cool is that?! We 100% support this brewery.